South Korea, March 2–April 1, 2026 – Four undergraduate students from the Public Health Program, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, had the opportunity to participate in a one-month student exchange program at two leading universities in South Korea: Yonsei University and Kangwon National University.
This program is part of the Enhancing Quality Education for International University Recognition (EQUITY Project), supported by the Higher Education Endowment Fund (DAPT), and aims to strengthen students’ academic capacity through direct exposure to international research environments.
The four selected students are Surya Natanegara, Mutiara Rizqi Yuwanita, Ajeng Dwi Wusono, (undergraduate students specializing in entomology) and Nabila Gusvie Qanita (undergraduate student at fourth semester). During the program, they engaged in a wide range of academic and laboratory-based activities designed to enhance their competencies in epidemiology and molecular entomology.
At Yonsei University, the students received intensive training in fundamental molecular biology techniques essential for infectious disease research. The competencies they developed included the implementation of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), DNA extraction and amplification techniques, and the use of molecular diagnostic tools such as PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR. They were also introduced to DNA sequencing technologies, including Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), which are widely used in pathogen detection and characterization.
The program continued at Kangwon National University, where the students further strengthened their practical skills through hands-on laboratory training in internationally equipped facilities. They explored advanced laboratory approaches and gained deeper insight into how molecular techniques are applied in the study of infectious diseases and vector biology.
Beyond technical expertise, the program also fostered critical scientific thinking, precision in laboratory work, and a deeper understanding of global research standards. Interaction with international researchers further broadened their perspectives on the development of public health science worldwide. Through this experience, the students are expected to contribute to the advancement of molecular epidemiology and entomology research in Indonesia. The competencies they gained serve as a strong foundation for addressing infectious disease challenges through evidence-based approaches.
This participation highlights the commitment of the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, to enhancing student capacity through international collaboration. By continuously expanding global partnerships, the faculty aims to produce graduates who are academically strong, adaptable, and ready to contribute at both national and international levels.